By EMS1 Staff
WASHINGTON — U.S. Congress officially designated June 1 – 7 as the first-ever National CPR and AED Awareness Week in an effort to encourage state health departments to increase education of critical lifesaving skills in the local community.
The American Heart Association and American Red Cross are supporting the effort.
According to an AHA press release, “less than one-third of adult sudden cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR. Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after a sudden cardiac arrest, can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival.”
“The Red Cross has been advocating for the nation to prepare for all types of emergencies; and part of that call to action is to take training in lifesaving skills such as CPR and AED,” said, Scott Conner, Vice President for American Red Cross Preparedness and Health And Safety Services, in a press release. “It’s wonderful to have a week devoted to calling people’s attention to the fact that saving someone’s life is as simple as taking a class.”
Do your part to bolster CPR and AED awareness in your local community by initiating a public educational program. For resources and additional information, visit the AHA Web site.
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